diff --git a/.github/workflows/nix.yml b/.github/workflows/nix.yml
index bfdbe453e7..9fbde68de3 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/nix.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/nix.yml
@@ -80,6 +80,8 @@ jobs:
             extra-trusted-public-keys = hydra.iohk.io:f/Ea+s+dFdN+3Y/G+FDgSq+a5NEWhJGzdjvKNGv0/EQ= loony-tools:pr9m4BkM/5/eSTZlkQyRt57Jz7OMBxNSUiMC4FkcNfk=
             # The pinned haskell.nix uses this scheduling marker for cross
             # slices that need a real x86_64 host. This runner is native x86_64.
+            # Nix also requires its experimental feature for this marker.
+            extra-experimental-features = ${{ matrix.system == 'x86_64-linux' && 'recursive-nix' || '' }}
             extra-system-features = ${{ matrix.system == 'x86_64-linux' && 'recursive-nix' || '' }}
 
       - name: Show outputs from this checkout
diff --git a/scripts/nix/README.md b/scripts/nix/README.md
index b0e9a9f125..18313eeeca 100644
--- a/scripts/nix/README.md
+++ b/scripts/nix/README.md
@@ -140,8 +140,12 @@ operations. This checkout opts `ghc914-sh` Android ARM32 out of that restriction
 on Linux with patched QEMU 9.1–11, after passing normal target TH under emulation.
 Other target/compiler package sets retain the upstream guard, which also covers
 cross-compiler stalls without QEMU. Advertise the marker on a native x86_64 Linux
-builder for those jobs; keep it off Rosetta slots. The GitHub workflow sets it
-only for its native x86_64 Linux runner. The upstream fixes and regression jobs
+builder for those jobs; keep it off Rosetta slots. Nix also requires the
+[`recursive-nix` experimental feature](https://nix.dev/manual/nix/2.35/development/experimental-features.html#xp-feature-recursive-nix)
+when building derivations with this reserved marker. Enable both
+`extra-experimental-features = recursive-nix` and
+`extra-system-features = recursive-nix` on that builder. The GitHub workflow
+sets both only for its native x86_64 Linux runner. The upstream fixes and regression jobs
 are in [haskell.nix PR #2585](https://github.com/input-output-hk/haskell.nix/pull/2585).
 
 To build both Android APK ABIs from the current checkout, preserving the same